THE government will make every effort to ensure the safety of Malaysians in Sudan and bring them home safely as conflict escalates in the African country, Foreign Minister Zambry Abd Kadir said.

He added that his ministry will co-operate with the National Disaster Management Agency, the National Security Council and the police.

He said Wisma Putra had also been in contact with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, UAE, China, the US and the UN to help the process of bringing Malaysians out of Sudan as soon as the situation permits.

“Currently, the situation in the country is still tense due to the fighting between the two warring factions, which is reported to be still intense, especially in strategic areas in Khartoum.

“Khartoum International Airport has not yet reopened, which makes it difficult to evacuate anyone,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier today, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah recommended that the government prepare to bring home Malaysians stranded in Sudan, if the conflict escalated.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also said the government was closely monitoring the situation and would bring back Malaysians if there was a risk to their safety.

Commenting further, Zambry said all 29 Malaysians followed the advice issued by the Malaysian Embassy in Khartoum to remain indoors.

He said Wisma Putra had activated “Operation Sudan” and a special team joined by several agencies had made careful preparations to ensure the safety and welfare of Malaysians in the country.

“This team is also in close contact with the Malaysian Embassy in Khartoum regarding the safest method to supply basic needs, especially food and medicine,” he said. – Bernama, April 17, 2023.